Yes & No-SAMPLE

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PROGRAM & PERFORMANCE NOTES

Intended for students new to percussion, Yes & No enables each performer to explore both pitched (“Yes”) and non-pitched (“No”) instruments in a player-friendly format. Both movements have identical 34-bar structures made up of four eight-measure sections, ending with a brief two-measure tag (coda). Dynamic changes occur at the start of each section and should be sudden and balanced across the ensemble. Players on snare drum and tambourine can achieve meaningful dynamic nuances by varying beating spots on the head. Also, using mallets on the blocks and the tom-tom can produce a pleasing tone. The concert bass drummer should strive for a focused sound that’s not too boomy. An optional hand drum part may be performed on a djembe or a similar substitute such as a tumba, conga, or tubano drum. Be sure not to dampen the head after striking so the instrument rings.

Starting the performance with the “No” movement can enhance the piece’s overall effect and may be helpful for beginners transitioning to pitched instruments. After the debut performance of Yes & No, I asked the audience if anyone was aware that each player’s individual parts were made up of identical rhythms in both movements. The fact that nobody had made the instant connection proved to be an informative demonstration of how pitch impacts rhythm.